Along with "Puckoon", and "1066 and All That", this is one which I will re-read with pleasure for many years to come.


Ruthless insight fed with a spoonfool of sugar   June 21, 2000
 26 out of 28 found this review helpful

I am a Hungarian - just like Mikes was until he moved to England in his 20s. I first read his books on the Brits a year after I moved to Britain (this was 4 years ago). I was absolutely stunned to see my very thoughts and views about Britain put on paper by somebody who could have been my grandfather! The things he wrote are still very true and relevant - enjoy his style but don't make the mistake of not taking him seriously just because you found his book in the "humour" section. You will have a very excellent, true and intimate view of the Brits - the kind only people who came to live here can provide. A must for everybody starting a life in England!


I love to read this kind of tripe   March 29, 2000
 32 out of 34 found this review helpful

It doesn't matter where in the world you are from you will like this if you REALLY want to learn all about us: from the outsider's point of view.

This book deals beautifully with our penchant for queuing and talking about the weather. It includes such phrases as "a bit blowy" meaning there's a howling gale raging outside. There's also the story of the ageing siblings who get together after 10 years of separation: their conversation is probably too accurately described: it's awful really but there you are, that's us for you.

This book reminds me a lot of the Henry Root letters in many ways and if it were ever revealed that Henry root and George Mikes were one and the same person, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised.

So, if you're into reading all about who we are and what we are, this book is a must.